Rob Bell responds to Universalism in "Love Wins" debate

[joey15bishop]

He is correct that some of the churches very first theologians held the view that Rob Bell holds...though I don't agree with him, I find it interesting that the church became a massive political power based on doctrines that promote fear.

[grasuh]

Why is Rob not answering their questions straight? Asking back like do you know? Do you long for that to happen? etc. If he firmly believes his position is SO true, then why muddle it at all? It is quite frustrating. What is he hiding?

[flotopo]

@grasuh,

I have to say this respectfully, but he is being deceived and does not know how to support his views without directly contradicting the Bible, so all he can do is ask questions back. I think with him it is also a case of emotional response to these issues, as this appears to be the approach rather than "this is what the Word" says. So simply put....the Bible does warn us against false prophets that are going to come in the last days. If you know the Word however, you'll know the truth.

[Naj11]

@flotopo DITTO, "Do you know?" "Some people in a strand of Christianity have believed that." and "Do you long for that to happen?" are not acceptable responses. It absolutely does not matter what I long for. The question is, What is true?

[flotopo]

@Naj11,

I couldn't agree more with you. but remember that the Bible does tell us the in the last days people will want to hear teachings that tickle their ears, teachings that make them feel good, not teachings that are true.

[hlg3201]

Rob Bell is a heretic. He can skate the questions in order to fuel the conversation, but ultimately in comes down to this - God said so it is settled

[pUnKrOcKnINjAgAmEr]

The word ‘BRIMSTONE’ or SULPHUR comes from the Greek word THEION that also is translated ‘divine’.

Sulphur was always used as a purifying agent and was used in all incense associated with worship of

God/gods. The root word for this is THEIOO which means to make divine, to hallow and/or dedicate to a god.

Thus ‘the lake of fire and brimstone’ should actually read ‘the lake of divine purification’."torment" greek: "basanizo":"test for purity"

[pUnKrOcKnINjAgAmEr]

Gehenna appears in James 3:6. To whom was the book of James written to? According to James 1:1 it was written to the 12 tribes scattered abroad, in other words, to the Jews, Jews who would know all about the Valley of Hinnom.

[pUnKrOcKnINjAgAmEr]

Could it be that many Gentiles at that time NEVER saw or heard about the "hell-fire" in Jerusalem that Christ talked about, and therefore could it be that Gehenna was NOTHING more than a physical location? Jesus was warning his disciples of Gehenna fire.

Something the gentiles knew nothing about.

Paul never mentions it.



[pUnKrOcKnINjAgAmEr]

As we all know, the apostle Paul wrote more letters than any other apostle (fourteen letters) but he NEVER wrote about "Gehenna". If Gehenna fire was such a serious warning for all believers then why didn’t Paul write and WARN about it? Could it be that most of the people that Paul was commissioned to preach the gospel (Gentiles) were generally NOT familiar with the valley of Gehenna near Jerusalem?

[pUnKrOcKnINjAgAmEr]

Isaiah 46:10

10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.

I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'

1 Timothy 2:3-4

3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

God ALWAYS gets what God wants.

Thank God!

[pUnKrOcKnINjAgAmEr]

Rom 11:32 God has bound all men to their own disobedience so that he could have mercy on them all. 1Tim 4:10 God is the savior of all men,especially of those that believe.

[pUnKrOcKnINjAgAmEr]

Ecc 6:10 Everything has already been decided. It was know long ago what each person would be,so there's no use arguing with God about your destiny.Rom 5:18 Adam's one act of disobedience brought sin and condemnation to all,but Christ's one act of obedience brought life and right standing with God to all. Rom 9:16 Receiving God's promise is not up to us.We can't get it by "choosing" it or working hard for it.God will show mercy to anyone he chooses.

[luceblueboy]

What Bell says is what I've been telling people Love Wins is all about. Bell never puts his foot down to make you agree with him. His books offer discussions and challenges we usually take for granted. Unfortunately, as a western culture we're saturated with people trying to tell us what to do and think. If you agree with everything you read, you've learned nothing.

[OneDayHenry]

Rob, man... what are u talking about? May God reveal to you what He has truly and Explicitly said in His Word if it is right that He should do so.... and if He already has but you're choosing to go against it... whew.. scary

[pUnKrOcKnINjAgAmEr]

@OneDayHenry "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people" Luke 2:10

"And all flesh shall see the salvation of God" Luke 3:6

"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth,I will draw all men to Myself." (John 12:32)

Just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. (Rom 5:18)

[mambochief]

When this all began, God created Mankind in His own image. Write now it would appear we have men that are creating God in their own image. Tweeking Him here and there until he essentially fits snug within the limits of their sensibilities.

[pUnKrOcKnINjAgAmEr]

@mambochief

*They will attempt to “delude you with persuasive arguments” captivating us “‘through philosophy and empty deception according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” (Col. 2:4,8)

These people will want you to “submit yourself to decrees, such as, ‘Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!‘” (Col. 2:20-21)

They will try to teach strange doctrines, myths, and endless geneologies. (1Tim. 1:3-4)

[mambochief]

some people should not write books.

[1GodOnlyOne]

Isn't God's wisdom infinite?

Doesn't infinite wisdom have the faculty to save everyone, by hook or by crook? If infinite wisdom does not have that faculty, then how is it infinite?

God bless you -- LOVE this video!

=)

[RasheemH]

Bell is a heretic.. plain and simple. Next.

[emurdoch100]

Just read the Bible and study it! It has the answers, It is clear and blatant that not all will be saved. Rob Bell saying he's not sure and doesn't know show's he's not reading it properly. If believers and non believers were saved, this would render Jesus death on the cross as insufficient (and this is something God is not) Just read John 3:16 and you'll see. There are also about 9 other similar references in John alone.

[REDnuht101]

wow someone read the book and is talking about it!

[Strefanasha]

let this contemptible little man waffle and evade when he stands before the throne of the Holy and Terrible. God Almighty will not be impressed and will indeed cut though the waffle and give Bell perhaps the first and last moment of clarity he will EVER have, for either he is a desperately confused thinker , and a poor one; or a bare faced liar

at least con men like Joseph Smith, and Harold camping came out and SAID what they stood for.

[Strefanasha]

So Bell twists and turns and denies the plain logic of his own words. The Logic of his own words, as seen quoted elsewhere, is that he is a universalist.

If he does not know this is going to happen why does he DARE promulgate a doctrine that plainly by is own logic implies universalism.

If he has not got the guts to come clean, nail his colours to the mast, and stand clearly, THEN HE IS A CONTEMPTIBLE COWARD

[skylarrayyoung]

@froberts7 God gave us freedom of choice to pick and choose what we do. He does not decide for us.

[orangeboy97]

@skylarrayyoung If you believe that then you are going against the Bible. in John 15:16 it says that Jesus choose us and we DIDN'T chose him.

[gchiu7]

@orangeboy97 umm...I think when jesus said that he was specifically addressing his disciple which he did choose and not everyone in general. That's the context of that verse.

[pUnKrOcKnINjAgAmEr]

@orangeboy97 You're right. God chose who would have faith...when? BEFORE the foundation of the world. God works all things in accord with the counsel of his will(Eph 1:11). Aionios Kolasis-"temporary correction" Not eternal punishment. Don't let the world fool you. Seek and you will find!

[crazystuffsherman]

Revelation 14:9-11 “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image"

[funkyflyfresh007]

Bell is being proven wrong here and he knows he is wrong.

[zeeman1992]

I like how he admits that he doesn't really know...

[RomansGalatians]

@zeeman1992 Yeah, that's that "emergent" sliminess. He makes assertions, but then pretends that he didnt say it.

"Hmm, let's imagine that zeeman is a mass murderer. Clearly we shouldnt accept a mass murderer making statements on YouTube."

Duh, I never SAID zeeman was a mass murder.

Luke warm bath water makes me want to puke.

[MrOhjames]

Yea I mean He never really actually gives an answer in any interview regarding this question I have seen.

[UnrealHelix]

Anyone can see that Rob doesn't know anything but his own opinions on the Bible, thus all the questions and 'I don't knows'. It's as if he's hanging his ETERNAL destiny on a never-ending list of maybes. And I've realised that his fans are the same- they don't know Jesus (personally), yet admire the man as described in the Bible, therefore they have all these questions and no heart knowledge of God. You guys need the Holy Spirit to reveal these things to you! 'YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN'.

[drjustincyr]

Rob doesn't really express "his" personal opinion or belief.

[reliablebow]

He's not softpeddling...I think Rob just is asking questions, and many people are nervous when someone asks questions, because it upsets the applecart. Jesus tends to do that alot. I hope everyone gets to Heaven, but that is probably not gonna happen, but I don't think it's sinful to hope that it's true. I think that may be what Rob is saying. He certainly believes there is a hell, just hopes that TheStory has a happier ending.....

[scott10wb]

@reliablebow Thank you! "How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" Will any amount of debate ever settle such a question? The bible seems to be clear that there is a hell and people will end up there, but I see trying to prove who that will or will not be as an absolute waste of time and the exact kind of hope-sucking nonsense that Jesus rebuked. Rob's willingness to admit he doesn't know is what I would call a fruit of trusting in Jesus's finished work.

[reliablebow]

@scott10wb Ahhh Jesus' finished work...that has such a grand ring to it, and our ONLY hope...good to meet You:)

[Disciple1818]

Listen to the truth everyone.. What is mercy if there is no punishment; what grace has God actually given to us if there is no consequence? Jesus said that Lazarus was in torment and agony. Luke 16:23-24. Also Read Revelation 20:10-15. Stop debating over mindless theology and know that we need to believe and repent. Abraham didnt have scripture but merely believed God with faith and was obedient, so as we should instead of pursuing religious ideologies and dividing each other over it.

[swimsurfer1]

this brone needs to stop asking the radio dudes what they believe, they did not write a book on the afterlife so of course bell is supposed to be the one answering the questions, if the afterlife is something that we are not supposed to know about do not write a book about it

[reconcilingfire]

Been away for a while. Let me make something clear. I will gladly discuss the scripture with anyone. But when you throw personal attacks I'm out. Personal attack is inappropriate to discussion of theology. Terms like "stupid" and "you people" are uncalled for. Kindly stick with scripture. As to your scriptural objection, context is on my side. Colossians 1:20 ends a thought. Verse 21 starts a new thought. Romans 9 supports: (16) "It is not of him that willeth" Our will doesn't save. Jesus does.

[bishoyhamdyful]

I had no idea Scott van Pelt was an evangelical?!

[AnHonestChristian]

He wasn't afraid to publish a book in which he espouses universalism...why is he pussyfooting around saying so out loud?

[lessingtom]

@mcrickeo

Mat 7:1 relates to those who do the same things as others and then judge them. It does not say that you should not remove the mote from someone else's eye. It says that when you have removed the beam from your own eye you are ready to remove it from others' eyes. Was Paul judging others when he said: "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Gal 1:8) "Anathema" is punishment in hell.

[lessingtom]

Rob Bell mentions several gruesome incidents in his book to illustrate his view of hell on earth. He’d seen many kids in Rwanda who had their limbs hacked off by machete wielding soldiers. What kind of hell is this when the innocent are the ones who suffer the earthly pangs of hell whilst the perpetrators go free? He’d also sat with a woman while she talked about what it was like to be raped. Did she choose to suffer the hell of being raped? Bell is crazy to think that she chose hell on earth.

[bananena3]

@lessingtom I think that in Rob's mind, rape is the kind of hell that people create for other people.

[lessingtom]

The question was asked: "Will everyone, ultimately, freely choose to be won over by the love of God?" Bell sheepishly answers: "I don't know, do you?" So if you don't know, Mr. Bell, why write an entire book displaying your ignorance? That's ultimately the most silly thing anyone can do. But then again, that's symptomatic of our post modern thinkers who do not know the Bible. I suggest that you change the title of your book from "Love Wins" to "My pigheaded ignorance of the Love of God."

[bananena3]

@lessingtom He didn't write a book claiming to know. He wrote a book raising questions for the community. I think what he's doing is very heartfelt and humble. It's refreshing for a major Christian voice to say, "I don't know." And to test out new things and tackle big issues in an honest way.

[lessingtom]

@bananena3

Admitting that you don't know, is not being humble and heartfelt. Jesus said something completely different: "You shall know the truth" . . . and not only know it but it shall make you free - free from error and the subsequent result of those errors. Bell knows but chooses to suppress the truth. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness." (Rom 1:18)

[bananena3]

@lessingtom Well, I think it's a tragedy that the mainstream evangelical church doesn't encourage using our God-given minds to ask questions and doubt God just like Abraham, Job, and others in the Jewish tradition did--all to the enrichment of their faith. How can we have a dynamic relationship with God when we blindly accept everything without searching deeply? "I don't know, only God knows, so I'm going to be open" is humble and productive IMO.

[lessingtom]

@bananena3

Admitting that you don't know, is not being humble and heartfelt. Jesus said something completely different: "You shall know the truth" . . . and not only know it but it shall make you free - free from error and the subsequent result of those errors. Bell knows but chooses to suppress the truth. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness." (Rom 1:18)

[lessingtom]

@bananena3

New things? And then, last of all, please understand that nothing in this book hasn't been taught, suggested, or celebrated by many before me. I haven't come up with a radical new teaching that's any kind of departure from what's been said an untold number of times. That's the beauty of the historic, orthodox Christian faith. wide, diverse stream that's been flowing for thousands of years, carrying a staggering variety of voices, perspectives, and experiences. (Love Wins - Preface).

[bananena3]

@lessingtom By "new things" I mean ideas that aren't normally discussed honestly and openly in the church community. To mainstream Christianity, what he's doing is very new.

[lessingtom]

@bananena3

I quoted to you Rob Bell's own words from his book "I haven't come up with a radical new teaching . . ." and yet you persist in saying the opposite. Things never or less discussed does not make old things new. The problem with Bell is that he refuses to believe Jesus whom he claims to follow. It's like saying "OK Jesus I'll follow you but don't expect me to believe everything you say." Jesus said: " . . . ye shall seek me, and shall DIE IN YOU SINS: whither I go, ye CANNOT come."

[bananena3]

@lessingtom OK, then forgive me my use of the word "new"? What I meant by it was exactly that he is bringing fresh("new") perspectives to evangelical Christianity. I believe that Rob understands the true heart of Jesus, that hoping for everybody to eventually be saved does not automatically = belief in Jesus is not necessary. It actually means that Jesus is ever more necessary and successful.

[bananena3]

@lessingtom And actually, technically, since the ideas that Rob brings up have long been flowing in the Christian tradition but not in the evangelical Christian tradition, he is bringing in something "new."

[lessingtom]

@bananena3

Are you prepared to opt for something supposedly "new" just because it allegedly is something new in the evangelical Christian tradition? There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Pro 14:12)

[reconcilingfire]

@lessingtom Yes, they die in their sins. That however does NOT mean eternal damnation. Paul said "To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." (1 Cor. 5:5, KJV). Who's to say when Jesus talked about them dying in their sins, He didn't mean a fleshly death so their soul may be saved?

[lessingtom]

@reconcilingfire

You're right! Jesus said: "When you die a fleshly death (natural death) in your sins you cannot come where I am. But don't let that worry you. A fleshly death which is a death no one can escape is actually the way for everyone to be saved and to be delivered from their sins. But please, keep this to yourself because it is still a great secret. If this should be broadcast worldwide the sham of my claim to fame: "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life" will be exposed."

[lessingtom]

@reconcilingfire

You should know that to die in your sins simply means to die without Christ. You are either IN Christ and escape God's judgement or your are OUT and stand judged before God. "Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." (1Jn 5:12) Stop bluffing (deceiving) yourself. It is dangerous.

[lessingtom]

@bananena3

Humble and heartfelt? This love compels us to question some of the dominant stories that are being told as the Jesus story. A staggering number of people have been taught that a select few Christians will spend forever in a peaceful, joyous place called heaven, while the rest of humanity spends forever in torment and punishment in hell with no chance for anything better . . . This is misguided and toxic and ultimately subverts the contagious spread of Jesus's message of love . . .

[lessingtom]

@bananena3

"To test out new things and tackle big issues" is one of the most dangerous rallying cries of the Emergent Church." It sounds like the lyrics of the well-known song "Caravan," "I don't know where I'm going but I'm going."

"Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein." (Jer 6:16). Humble and heartfelt? No! Stubborn!

[reconcilingfire]

@lessingtom Look at John 8:21 again. He says we shall die in our sins immediately after we seek Him. "I go my way, and ye shall seek me, AND die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come." So if dying in your sins really means dying without Christ, dying outside of the Son, and without salvation, do those who seek him lose salvation? No, those who seek him must first die in their sins to be born again pure.

[N2truth7]

@reconcilingfire Are you convoluted? Jesus is speaking to a specific group there, read the text. It says "He said to them..." Then in verse 24 it also says you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am He..."

BTW, where does THE BIBLE say that fire's only meaning is for "reconciling"?

[lessingtom]

@reconcilingfire

1) Those who reject Jesus must die unforgiven. There is no way of pardon but by him.

2) There will be a time when sinners will seek for a Saviour but will find none. Often this is done too late, in a dying moment, and in the future world they may seek a deliverer, but not be able to find one.

3) Those who reject Jesus must perish. Where He is they cannot come. Where He is not, with his favor and mercy, there is hell; and the sinner that has no Savior must be wretched forever.

[reconcilingfire]

@lessingtom "And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile "ALL THINGS" (greek: pas. literally, "all, the whole") unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." -Colossians 1:20. "For God hath concluded them "ALL" (greek: pas) in unbelief, that He might have mercy upon "ALL" (greek: pas)." -Romans 11:32. It's simple. Either He will have mercy on all, or He won't. Which is it? Romans says all.

[lessingtom]

@reconcilingfire

Having mercy on ALL never meant that ALL shall be saved. The difference is this: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (Tit 2:11). "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." (1Co 1:18). God's mercy and grace are for ALL but only those who respond to His cross in faith in order to be saved benefit from his grace. Those who don't are lost.

[reconcilingfire]

@lessingtom So is it for all or those who respond to His cross? If it's for all it's for all. If it's for those who respond it's for those who respond. You can't have it both ways. And Colossians doesn't just say He will have mercy upon all, it says He will RECONCILE all. How can reconciling someone and burning that same someone in hell be the same in any sense? All will be reconciled. End of story! :)

[lessingtom]

@reconcilingfire

Do ALL respond to His death on the cross? When will ALL be reconciled to God - pre-mortem or post-mortem?

[reconcilingfire]

@lessingtom Yes, all will. There are three categories if you will. There are Christians today who have forgiven, who will be the first to be transformed (much of the church interprets this as the rapture). There are Christians who believe but have not forgiven their neighbors (the parable in Matt 18:21-35), who will have to wait for their new bodies for second resurrection, while they pay off debt. Then there's those non-Christians who must go through lake of fire before they respond.

[lessingtom]

@reconcilingfire

Do you actually believe that unbelievers will respond to Christ and his Gospel in hell in order to be saved?

[reconcilingfire]

@lessingtom Yes, because I have a very different idea of hell than you, it seems. Malachi 3:2-3 says that "He is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' (grk: kabac, to trample; wash) soap: And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver:" Many times we have this picture of fire being used to purify. This is the purpose of the lake of fire. When all sin, bitterness, and anger is burnt out of a person his heart will be left in perfect joy and a loving response to Jesus.

[lessingtom]

@reconcilingfire

Perhaps you should read Malachi 3:2-3 again. He's not referring to unbelievers but believers who need to be thoroughly sanctified .

[reconcilingfire]

@lessingtom It does not change the fact that God IS a refining fire. If you take it exclusively, then you have to say ONLY the sons of Levi will be purified, since they're the only ones referred to here.

[lessingtom]

@reconcilingfire

Are Satan and his fallen angels also going to purified by God's refining fire and welcomed in heaven with shouts of " Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord?"

[reconcilingfire]

@lessingtom Because the Bible says "all things" I have to believe they will be reconciled, since they are part of all. However not with "well done good and faithful servant." Through the lake of fire. So, does God's mercy really endure forever? Or does it only endure until death when time to accept him is up?

[gtrjunky]

@reconcilingfire The bible says "all things" what? According to Hebrews 2 it clearly says that God has NOT provided for the angels and that He did become an angel but He became a man to save men so no, it is not "all things" the way you are saying it is. God's mercy endures forever for His children, it doesn't say for every single person, no matter what.

[reconcilingfire]

@gtrjunky

Romans 11:32: "For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all."

In fact it does say God has mercy on all. And that mercy endures forever. It's very clear in the Bible. So once again; does His mercy endure forever? Or until death, at which point His mercy is cut off?

[gtrjunky]

@reconcilingfire I guess my comments got spammed. Well I'll be happy to repeat myself. The first question I have to ask is who is the "them all" being spoken about in Romans 11? Well if you read the passage in context (that thing that you people are allergic to) it tells you who the "them all" is and it's not "every single person that God ever created. You see Paul answered this question back in Romans 9.

[gtrjunky]

@reconcilingfire The "all" spoken of in Romans 11 are the children of the promise aka the remnant spoken of in ch.9.

[gtrjunky]

@reconcilingfire Now to address your stupid appeal to Col.1:20...first of all, you assume that "reconcile all things" automatically equals salvation for all beings however according to Heb.2 God has NOT provided for the angels ergo they will not be saved ergo "all things" does not mean salvation. Verse 23 qualifies the people by saying that it is for those who continue in the faith.

[N2truth7]

@reconcilingfire It actually says that He will reconcile all things but the question is what are "all things"? What is "all" well "all" is defined by the context that it's used. For example in 1 Tim.6:10 it says that "the love of money is the root of ALL evil" is money the root of "ALL" evil?

[imnotwallace]

I think that Rob Bell is seriously dodging questions. There are many theological perspectives but Bell hasn't been clear on which perspective is his! I don't want to argue which particular theological nuances but it would have been nice for Bell to be a bit more clear-cut and answering less questions with questions.

[dagl086]

I think all can tell that Rob Bell doesn't want to come right out and say what he believes around people who aren't comfortable with what he believes. I feel like he made the claim about the lack of hell to make people feel more comfortable with Christianity when in reality he made people less comfortable with what he tried to make it.

[whatthehellbook]

The Bible does not teach eternal punishment. God's love and mercy endures forever. Does it really endure forever or only in this life? How can it be Good News if it doesn't translate to the afterlife? God will still judge but He will not punish forever. He's a better Father than we are, right?

1 Timothy 4:10- This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.

whatthehellbook . com

[banjosqueezebox]

Which scripture is a lie?

Job 42:2 "...no thought or purpose of Yours can be restrained or thwarted."

or

II Peter 3:9 "...He is long-suffering toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance."

[raquelita34]

Ugh. Rob Bell is dodging questions. Hence why the guy had to ask him the same thing three times. I do like the radio guys though; they make good points and valid claims.

[slimveggie]

It sounds to me like Bell is saying that people choose hell by resisting Christ. Isn't that what the Bible says too?

[mahoganyrush300]

Way to go Rob put another shot accross calvins heretical bow.

[chefshitpiece]

MY toaster broke....so I took it outside and hit it with a bat all day...cuz we all know that's the solution, right?

Think about it...it makes no sense at all.

[gratedface]

How many people here have actually heard of Sheol or hades or Gehenna? The ASSUMPTION that heaven and hell is the platonic and dualistic way that you have been taught after its been dragged through Greek philosophy, THAT should be heresy

[swatfour]

Bell just wants to sell books, like many others. He never intended to make theology. Seems, he doesn't give a ratshit about heaven, hell, or other things

[swatfour]

Bell just warms up Vaticans ideas. It is not his and never has been

[agente180]

Given time more people will discover that many of our medieval interpretations didn't reflect what the original biblical text meant. Rob just found that earlier and remains courageous. And not alone.

[brocky]

I believe Rob Bell may lack wise counsel in that he seems to have a bunch of "yes" men around him. How could no one criticize him, and a healthy one at that, for Rob to recognize the potential misguiding he might cause amongst believers. I get an honest sense that he has regrets about the way he wrote the book. "Love Wins" sounds like a bad tumblr entry that he just wants to correct right now.

[countofmonetcristo80]

God is not the author of confusion but of peace. Bell is a rambling man who is confused and is leading peopleto,........um.........he­ll:(

[oldno74]

Jesus DID NOT TALK about HELL. He mentions a dump on the south side of Jerusalem! Hell is not a literal place of torment, it's not proved in Scripture it's a product of religion!! Gnashing of teeth, weeping, is imagery of a person being in torment with themselves. Ever meet a person who is so angry, depressed, addicted??? Until they are free from their "hell", they can't experience the love that God has for them.

[xDSlimz]

@oldno74 No, hell is definately mentioned in the Bible...

[oldno74]

@xDSlimz Sure it's mentioned in the English translation, but the greek word is Gehenna or Gehinnom in Hebrew. Look it up, it's a place outside of Jerusalem, not a torture chamber under the earth somewhere.

[hubbs86]

I'd love to see Bell actually take on someone significant like Driscoll, Chandler, Chan, or anyone else like that. he's last about as long as a cardboard box in a super nova.. He can't answer a simple question and is obviously so screwed up it's just sad...

[Tiffystars]

@hubbs86 Francis Chan has indirectly replied with a book hes written called "erasing hell: what God said about eternity, and the things we've made up" and his video message about it too. I haven't read the book yet but it's on it's way.

but i agree with Chan in his vid (if you haven't watched it yet), we can't just ask/follow what we've heard/learnt from other clay pots, instead, ask the Potter Himself.

[Ridgetown100]

"momentum theory" "what do you long for" "how many get saved", he is focused on men and not God. God would be just and love even He didn't save anybody. But thanks be, He chooses to save many people, as many as there are stars. He is in control not us. Bell is essentially saying the greatest theologians all were wrong, and that all English bibles have been translated wrong. He's all fluff, and will be forgotten in 10 or 20 years...

[wendelshuatz]

i am universalist

[wendelshuatz]

you christians are so weird... while we are fighting to prove that MY point of view is the right one, the life is passing and it does not matter MY point of view

[prboxershorts]

Its not about money and fame. Its about winning souls for the Lord, and destroying the influence of Satan. I believe Rob Bell's book is clear -- THATS TO ASSUME YOU EVEN READ IT -- but God has a strong desire to amend His relationship with His creation. Its completely and utterly your choice to accept it.

[Tharpe09]

Longing for something to happen doesn't mean it will Rob...

[dedred5]

So now He believes there's a hell for those who choose it,did he really need to write a book on how indecisive he is on all these subjects.If you're confused keep it to yourself do you have to make a book on that?

[mania77able1]

@dedred5 its about the money and the fame

[hubbs86]

@dedred5 Actually, you're very confused. Yes, he says there's a hell, but he seems to think we're in it now. He's such a snake that he won't actually answer a question, probably because he's a coward.. I love how the other guy always says 'Jesus knew, and Jesus said..' Really, that what we should all be doing...listening to and copying Jesus.

[PerogoNess]

@hubbs86 "He's a coward" says the guy attacking a respected and beloved preacher anonymously via youtube comments.

[hubbs86]

@PerogoNess "no he's not, you are." say's you, anonymously via youtube. Do you realize discounting my statement (anonymously over youtube) only confirms that you're guilty of the same thing you're blaming me for? :-) just sayin..

[paullywallee]

I think he is just utterly confused about what he believes. It is clear throughout scripture that there are those who are set aside for heaven and those who aren't. Yes Christ died for everyone, but not everyone will accept Him and in the end justice, not love will ultimately win. Because God is a just God, not merely a loving God.

[FrizzKid05]

@paullywallee

Rob Bell isn't about being divisive. He doesn't believe in the destructive part of the religion. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

[jjmeyer79]

I don't know why people bother to listen to Bell. He doesn't know anything, and therefore has no business teaching anything. All he does is raise questions and doubts about what the Bible clearly answers in many places. He should just call himself a non-christian who has a religion of doubt.

[slooob23]

Rob keeps talking about a "discussion" but that is not how he presents it in his book (which I am reading) He can't put his opinions in print, appeal to the authority of said opinions (and the methodology he reached them with) and claim he is just floating ideas!!

I can appreciate the desire to combat extreme 'hell fire and brimstone' Christianity and to preach Gods love, but not at the expense of reducing the gospel to a work of the human intellect, it is much deeper and serious than that!!

[airsoftcolt1911]

@connorthoughts His point was that Bell says, "Do you know? Do YOU know? I don't know" meaning, "No one KNOWS what the truth is," but that there IS a known truth because Christ knew it and revealed it to us in scripture.

[airsoftcolt1911]

They guy won't answer any questions!!! XD

[rus191]

@airsoftcolt1911 cuz hes an idiot

[connorthoughts]

"I think Jesus knew" or "I think I know what Jesus knew"

[moranplano]

Pt. 2.. SOULS return time and again to Reap what they Sow. Good deeds get rewarded, bad deeds get punished, Souls learn their lessons and move to a more perfected state, eventually they graduate to greater things. Ask yourself, what makes more sense..someone like say...JUDAS ISCARIOT whom GOD could hold in a Lake of Fire these last 2000 yrs.(accomplishing what?) or GOD could let him reincarnate in that time giving him more chances to reach a DIVINE STATE? If you were GOD, what would YOU do?

[moranplano]

Pt. 1 So, if someone goes to the Otherside and sees HELL, then they will continue to CHOOSE to burn forever!!!! How ridulous. As soon as someone saw a Lake of Fire and had another chance to "choose", would they CONTINUE TO CHOOSE TO BURN?? Nobody would. It's preposterous. I like Rob Bell, but he skirts the issue. I'm a Universalist. I know GOD has a far better plan than eternal torment after just one life. I've had countless past lives, many bad ones. The world is just a school...